Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-50

Below is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax K-50, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ3 was launched 10 months prior to the K-50 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SZ3 grades against the K-50 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax K-50. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ3 provides outer dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-50 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax K-50 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ3 compared to the K-50.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ3 and K-50 is 96 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at specifications. The graphic below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ3 and K-50.

To sum up, each of the cameras feature the identical MP but not the same sensor measurements. The SZ3 has got the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field tougher. The older SZ3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.